Hemel Storm moved to a 3-0 record in the NBL Division One campaign with a hard-fought 88-78 victory against newly promoted Bristol Hurricanes.
After a close first half, which saw the visitors claw back an 11 point deficit to trail by just 2 going into half time, Storm were able to muster crucial scoring runs, which proved pivotal going into the closing stages of the game.
Storm were without injured Veron Eze but they still started with purpose in the opening quarter, leading 8-0 in the first 2 minutes. However, an injury sustained to Hurricanes’ Rolls-Tyson, meant a prolonged start to the game. Hemel Storm wish Rolls-Tyson all the best in his recovery. Hurricanes were able to respond to the setback effectively, with three pointers from Taylor and top scorer Ubiaro. With both teams trading baskets throughout the duration of the quarter, the hosts went on another 8-0 scoring run to end the quarter in the closing 2 minutes to give Storm a 25-14 lead going into the second quarter.
The second quarter started with the Hurricanes in control of proceedings, with the threat of Ubiaro and Edozie particularly evident. Storm had struggled to execute in the opening stages of this quarter, which saw them give away avoidable turnovers. Coach Clark was forced into a timeout midway through the quarter, in an attempt to stop the momentum of the visitors. The Hurricanes continued to execute, with two successive three point attempts from Jules Dang-Akodo putting the Hurricanes into a 2 point lead. Storm were able to regain the lead as the game clock expired, and went into the break with a 44-42 lead.
Storm began the second half in control of the game, extending their lead to 8 points which forced Bristol into a timeout 3 minutes into the quarter. This was soon to get better for the home side, with three pointers from Tra’Michael Moton and Matt Ellis emphasising the momentum Storm had gained throughout the third quarter. It was a good defensive performance as Storm gave up only 15 points to the Hurricanes, and scored 22 of their own to go into the final quarter with a 66-57 lead.
With the Hurricanes desperate to get back into the game, Storm looked to have prevented any hopes of a comeback, as a 10-0 scoring run to start the fourth period kept the home side in control of the encounter. Despite Bristol’s attempts to build any runs of their own, Storm were able to break the runs up successfully. In particular, performances from Darien Nelson-Henry, who registered a double double, Sam Newman, and Tra’Michael Moton were impressive in the final quarter, playing an integral role in ensuring the victory. The game clock expired with Storm taking an 88-78 victory.
It was another pleasing performance from Storm, who showed excellent teamwork throughout the game. This was evident with all members of the starting five achieving over 10 points. The team continues to show promising signs and improvements each game and approach a tough trip to Loughborough next weekend.
Storm’s next home game sees Milton Keynes Breakers visit the StormDome for the first time this season, in what is sure to be a thriller on Saturday 9th November, tip off 7pm. Tickets will be in demand so to avoid disappointment, get your tickets via the Fanbase platform.
Written by Ollie Heathcote
Photos by Matt Cook